The Roots of Anger and Violence in the Streets

This mission of Lancaster Interchurch Peace Witness emphasizes justice and the possibility of life in full for all of creation and pursuit of the common good. In the current crisis, extending from Ferguson to Baltimore and beyond, we are eager to hear the voice of black leaders in our community. The first in the series is a reprint of Rev. Edward Bailey, Lancaster, Dec. 12, 2014, Lancaster News Paper. We believe that the current headline events arise out of longtime pervasive racist attitudes and marginalization by the wealthy. The headlines focus on confrontation in the streets. But let us go deeper and broader. Let us look for root causes that churn below the surface such as gaping disparities in education, human services, discriminatory incarceration, employment, business investment and pervasive neglect of low income communities by the thriving industrial military corporate complex.

The LIPW statement on Equality:
1. Highlights the enormous social price which is paid to perpetuate inequality.

2. Correlates the expanding military budget with decline in domestic security.

3. Confronts the loss of democratic process by concentrated wealth.

4. Calls upon corporations and government to make decisions for the common good.

5. Notes that the $24 billion Pennsylvanians spend in federal dollars for war in one year would pay for Head Start programs, teacher job creation, health care or renewable energy.